HAVERFORDWEST’S Jeremy Cross emerged victorious at the British Open Masters Indoor Tennis Championships in Wrexham.
This title has been almost 40 years in the making, with Cross first playing competitive tennis as an eight-year-old.
Cross spent a week in Wrexham, where he and his partner Matthew Smith reached the final of the men’s over 45s doubles, but were beaten 6-3 7-5 in the final.
He went in to the over 45s men’s singles tournament as the top seed.
Cross beat fellow Brits Philip Rimmer, Dean King and Richard Downs to set up a final with Patrick Talbot, which he won 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.
“I am massively elated,” he said.
“It’s been 39 years of trying, from an eight-year-old playing in the British Short Tennis Championships.
“It feels fantastic to have finally got across the line in the singles.
“There’s also a bit of relief as well, I was 5-0 up in the final set and had to break his serve to win it 6-4.
“I was top seed so there is always a bit of pressure to fulfil that as well.”
Cross’ latest triumph will have done his chances of qualifying for the World Championships no harm, while the ranking points from this latest tournament could see him sneak into the world’s top 100 in his age group.
He will also get the opportunity to represent his country, having been named alongside Haverfordwest teammate Laura Davies in the Wales team for the upcoming Senior Four Nations.
Davies will play in the ladies' over 50s team while Cross captains the men’s over 45s.
The competition takes place at Bolton Indoor Arena from May 4-6.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here